VAASTU SHASTRA
The word “Vaastu” means ‘dwelling’ or ‘abode’ and “Shastra” means a science or doctrine.
Essentially, Vaastu Shastra is the Vedic science of Indian Architecture which includes “metaphysical” aspects of human life. Unlike traditional Western design philosophies that prioritise functional and aesthetic effectiveness, Vaastu extends more holistically to incorporate the interaction of the mental space or subconscious mind and its interaction with the building itself. All things in the universe have a level of energy associated with them. Humans spend most of our time inside a building, and a building is perceived as a living organism, being fed from the earth energy, solar and magnetic fields. The purpose of Vaastu Shastra is to design and develop prosperous, harmonious and productive living spaces that meet more than just the functional and aesthetic need of its inhabitants.
Other Indian metaphysical philosophies like Yoga, Ayurveda and Vedanta have already cemented their place in modern society, demonstrating their potential. Firmly rooted in tradition, ancient wisdom and science that dates back 1000s of years, Vaastu Shastra ushers in a new era with a focus on the holistic human and how space supports or hinders optimal wellbeing.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Systematic methods are applied to analyse a built up space using these broad primary principals below. Recommendations are then provided to enhance positive influences in your built up spaces. Modern technologies and methods incorporating accurate architectural floor plans are used as inputs.
ACHIEVING BALANCE
As soon as space is enclosed by walls and a roof to form a building, the external universal energy communicates and influences the internal closed space. Key to understanding this relationship between ‘external’ and ‘internal’ are the five elements (Pancha Mahabhuta), which govern nature and form the underlying structure of the body-mind complex: Water (Jala), Wood or Air( Vāyu), Fire (Agní), Earth (Prthvī), Metal or Space (Ākāśa).
There exists a supportive cycle in nature, whereby each element produces, sustains or supports the next element in the cycle. E.g. Water is life supporting to the Wood/Air Element. Water nourishes trees and plants which produce Oxygen, Oxygen is fuel for the fire element. There exists however a destructive cycle of the elements where by an element can destroy another. E.g. water extinguishes fire.
Ayurveda prescribes natural herbs and correctness of diet to produce a balance between the 5 elements in the body, Yoga prescribes Asana (Physical Postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation(Mindfulness) to bring about balance of the 5 elements between the body, breath and the mind. Vaastu Shastra, prescribes metal and colour therapy as one of the remedies to establish the balance of the 5 elements in a built up space.
DIRECTIONAL SCIENCES
These extend beyond the cardinal (north, east, south, west), and semi-cardinal (north-east, south-east, south-west, north-west) points. Up to 32 cardinal divisions are implemented in Vaastu Shastra. The Magnetic North-South Polarity, Solar East-West Energy flow, Earth Grids, Topography, Astrology and the rotational aspects of the planets around the sun together with their sum total influence on human life forms part of Vaastu Shastra.
In Vaastu Shastra, Sixteen cardinal divisions which are anchored in directional sciences are prevalent with well-defined attributes and properties. The placement of activities in a built-up space either propel or weaken your efforts in life. Aligning one’s activities to these underlying attributes is one of the primary focuses of Vaastu Shastra.
THE LOCATION OF ENTRANCES (DOORS) AND THEIR ATTRIBUTES.
Entrances serve as the largest openings or connectors of a built up space with the external cosmic energy. Accurate positioning of your entrances (referencing 32 cardinal divisions), is determined to accentuate the dominating positive or negative influences.
Working or living spaces are where one spends the most time and these spaces essentially become an extension of our mental, physical and emotional energy. Changes within the built up space automatically effect changes within the mind, thoughts and emotions. These changes often manifest positively or negatively around finances, career, health, happiness and/or relationships to mention a few.